Advanced Measurement Instruments
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Introduction
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a fundamental technique used to study phase transitions, heat
capacity, and thermal stability in materials. However, most conventional DSC systems are limited to
temperatures below 700 °C. For advanced materials research—such as ceramics, metals, high-performance
polymers, and oxides—thermal transitions often occur well above 1000 °C.
To meet this need, Advanced Measurement Instruments (AMI) has developed the DSC 1200 and DSC
1500—two high-temperature DSC systems built on a proven STA platform. This application note outlines
the advantages of using a hang-down STA-derived architecture for DSC-only measurements and highlights
the capabilities of both models for demanding thermal analysis.
Why Use an STA Platform for High-Temperature DSC?
The STA platform is typically used for simultaneous TGA/DSC measurements, but when adapted for DSC
only functionality, it offers significant advantages:
entirely on calorimetric precision.
signal stability and minimizing baseline drift.
ensures consistent sensitivity and durability at elevated temperatures.
This architecture allows AMI’s high-temperature DSC systems to achieve the same thermal range and
mechanical robustness of an STA, while offering the clarity and simplicity of a pure DSC system.
System Overview: AMI DSC 1200 / DSC 1500
AMI DSC 1200
AMI DSC 1500
Shared Features:
visualization
Applications
AMI’s high-temperature DSC systems are ideal for advanced thermal characterization in materials that
require extended temperature range and stability. Application areas include:
The high sensitivity and stable baseline make these instruments suitable for both large enthalpic events
and subtle thermal transitions.
Figure 1. DSC curve of high-purity silver (Ag) showing a sharp endothermic peak at 961.8 °C corresponding to its
melting point.
Silver offers an excellent benchmark for high-temperature DSC calibration due to its well-defined melting
point and heat of fusion. The sharp endothermic peak at 961.8 °C illustrates the system’s sensitivity and
temperature accuracy. The flat baseline and low noise level emphasize the DSC’s thermal stability and
precision over extended high-temperature ramps.
Figure 2. DSC curve of high-purity nickel (Ni) demonstrating a strong endothermic melting peak at approximately
1455 °C
This curve demonstrates the DSC system’s capability to operate at elevated temperatures with excellent
resolution. The melting of nickel, a refractory metal, is clearly resolved even near the upper range of the
instrument’s performance. The signal clarity underscores the robustness of the sensor design and heating
system for demanding thermal analysis applications.
Advantages of a High-Temperature Hang-Down DSC
Feature | Benefit |
---|---|
Hang-down sensor geometry | Enhances thermal isolation and improves baseline stability by minimizing thermal gradients and interference from furnace heat. |
STA-derived furnace | Provides proven temperature stability, uniform heating, and controlled ramping to 1200 °C or 1500 °C. |
Balance-free configuration | Simplifies the system architecture and ensures pure calorimetric signal without mass-related drift or noise. |
Integrated gas control | Supports inert, oxidizing, or reactive environments |
Water cooling with safety interlock | Enables safe high-temperature operation with automatic shutdown protection. |
System Configuration and Installation
Each AMI DSC system is shipped with:
Conclusion
The AMI DSC 1200 and DSC 1500 systems provide powerful, stable, and high-precision platforms for
thermal analysis beyond the limits of conventional DSC. By leveraging the mechanical strength and thermal
performance of STA architecture—without the complexity of a balance—AMI delivers research-grade
solutions for laboratories working at the forefront of materials science.